As a rideshare driver, paying for gas is a huge percentage of your paycheck, and you may be wondering how you can afford price fluctuations, as well as how you can reduce your spending.
There are actions you can take to help make the most of every gallon you pay for, as well as helpful mobile phone apps to help you find the best prices available.
Tips for Saving Gas
- Perform routine maintenance to ensure the proportions of your car’s air and fuel are correct. You can do monthly maintenance check-ins yourself on things like tire pressure, wiper fluid, and engine oil levels.
- Glide into your stops to avoid issues with your car brakes. Take your foot off the gas pedal earlier, and let your car downshift before braking.
- Drive at moderate speeds so your mileage does not rapidly decrease. Stay at the speed limit, drive at a consistent rate of speed, and use cruise control on long trips.
- Travel light; having extra weight in your car can create a drag on your engine, which consumes extra gas. Check your trunk and back seat for unnecessary items.
- Avoid excessive and unnecessary idling, which uses a surprising amount of fuel. If you need to wait in your parked vehicle, make sure to switch your engine off until you are ready to continue driving.
Pay Less with Gas-Saving Apps
Finding the cheapest gas prices between stations is the most beneficial way for your business to save money. Some of the best smartphone apps that will help you compare prices, pump more, and pay less are as follows.
- Gas Buddy is a community-based app that will assist in finding the cheapest fuel options based on your location and costs. The app can also keep track of your gas consumption to help manage your spending and use.
- Gas Guru can help you find cheap gas as well as the amenities offered at each station. You can also organize and save locations for future use.
- Waze can help with gas information, navigation, traffic alert, and other amenities you are looking for.
- Receipt Hog will help you understand the gas economy, while also assisting in giving you cashback on your gas purchases (if you keep your receipts) through Amazon and Paypal.
